Integrated Collet Conical Channel for Downhole Casing Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tools for casing isolation in hydraulic fracturing operations have complex structures, leading to difficulties in dissolution, drilling, and removal, resulting in downhole residues and increased costs, and their smaller internal channels hinder well fluid flowback.
Innovation Solution
An integrated collet with a conical internal channel that combines sealing and anchoring functions, using a plastically deformable member with integrated slip and sealing ring, and a retrievable expansion cone for setting, reducing the number of components and facilitating easier setting and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple structural members (cone, sealing ring, slip) are used to achieve anchoring and sealing functions, then the anchoring and sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and the internal channel size decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing ring and slip into a single integrated collet body that performs both sealing and anchoring functions. The collet body includes an outer surface that contacts the casing for sealing and slip teeth on its inner surface for anchoring, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated collet body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing against the casing through its outer surface, anchoring through slip teeth that engage with casing irregularities, and maintains a conical internal channel for fluid flow. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed
2Reliability
If multiple structural members are used for anchoring and sealing, then the sealing and anchoring functions are improved, but the internal channel becomes smaller hindering fluid flowback
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the sealing ring and slip into a single integrated collet body, the patent eliminates the space required for multiple separate components. The resulting design features a larger conical internal channel that improves fluid flowback while maintaining sealing and anchoring functions through the collet body's geometric design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the conical geometry of the internal channel to optimize fluid flow dynamics. The tapered shape creates a self-cleaning effect and improves flow velocity distribution, enhancing productivity without compromising the sealing and anchoring functions provided by the collet body's outer and inner surfaces
3Reliability
If separate slip and sealing ring are used, then the anchoring and sealing functions are achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sealing ring and slip into a single collet body component, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining the necessary anchoring and sealing functions through the collet body's integrated geometry
4Strength
If the ball seat or frac plug is of insoluble structure, then the structural integrity is improved, but it requires drilling and removal operations creating downhole residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the collet body to be soluble or degradable, allowing it to dissolve or degrade after serving its purpose of providing structural integrity during anchoring and sealing. This eliminates the need for drilling and removal operations, thereby preventing downhole residues while maintaining necessary structural strength during operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated collet simplifies the setting process, reduces downhole residues, and enhances flowback efficiency by providing a larger internal channel, allowing for quicker well production and lower operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated collet includes a collet body, wherein the collet body forms a seal with an inner wall of a downhole casing and is anchored thereto; the internal channel is provided inside the collet body along its axial direction; and an inner wall of the internal channel of the collet body is of conical shape
Implementation Method 2
the collet body forms a seal with an inner wall of a downhole casing and is anchored thereto
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an integrated collet and a downhole plugging system, and a plugging method thereof. The integrated collet includes a collet body, wherein the collet body can form a seal with an inner wall of a downhole casing and is anchored to the inner wall of the downhole casing; an internal channel is formed inside the collet body along an axial direction; and an inner wall of the internal channel of the collet body is a conical surface.